Spain's National Court on Monday authorized the extradition to Georgia of crime boss Zakhar Kalashov, whom his home country wants to jail for 18 years, judicial sources said.
A Georgian court has sentenced Kalashov in absentia for crimes including the 2000 abduction of a US citizen, whose whereabouts are still unknown.
Kalashov fled to Spain several years ago, and was then arrested in the United Arab Emirates in 2006.
He was extradited to Spain, where he spent four years in preventative custody before being sentenced to seven-and-a-half years for money-laundering.
The National Court rejected Kalashov's argument that his case would not be handled fairly in Georgia.
The court authorized the extradition on conditions including the permission of the United Arab Emirates.
Thursday, 30 September 2010
British man has been arrested in Spain on suspicion of a string of armed bank robberies across the Costa del Sol
middle-aged British man has been arrested in Spain on suspicion of a string of armed bank robberies across the Costa del Sol and elsewhere, police have said.
The 49-year-old, who has not been named, is thought to be behind 15 hold-ups in the provinces of Malaga and Alicante, accompanied by a 31-year-old Russian woman.
Spanish police believe the pair could have stolen about 115,000 euros (£98,345) in the raids.
They are suspected of working together to carry out the crimes, a police spokesman said.
Detectives believe their modus operandi involved the woman first ringing the bell of the bank and when a member of staff opened the door she would be flanked by the man, who was armed with a pistol. He would then enter and rob the bank.
In some cases the man threatened staff by holding the pistol to their heads, detectives said.
When the pair were arrested, officers seized a car, a pistol, a laptop case, two wigs, a fake beard and moustache and a purse containing stolen money.
Officers from Spain's Civil Guard swooped following a five-month investigation beginning in mid-April and codenamed Operation Flanders.
The probe was launched after a bank robbery in the Malaga town of Mijas on April 16. This was followed by another one in the Alfaz del Pi area of Alicante.
The man and woman arrested are believed to have been responsible for both.middle-aged British man has been arrested in Spain on suspicion of a string of armed bank robberies across the Costa del Sol and elsewhere, police said today.
The 49-year-old, who has not been named, is thought to be behind 15 hold-ups in the provinces of Malaga and Alicante, accompanied by a 31-year-old Russian woman.
Spanish police believe the pair could have stolen about 115,000 euros (£98,345) in the raids.
They are suspected of working together to carry out the crimes, a police spokesman said.
Detectives believe their modus operandi involved the woman first ringing the bell of the bank and when a member of staff opened the door she would be flanked by the man, who was armed with a pistol.
He would then enter and rob the bank.
In some cases the man threatened staff by holding the pistol to their heads, detectives said.
When the pair were arrested, officers seized a car, a pistol, a laptop case, two wigs, a fake beard and moustache and a purse containing stolen money.
Officers from Spain's Civil Guard swooped following a five-month investigation beginning in mid-April and codenamed Operation Flanders.
The probe was launched after a bank robbery in the Malaga town of Mijas on April 16.
This was followed by another one in the Alfaz del Pi area of Alicante.
The man and woman arrested are believed to have been responsible for both.
In the following months they are suspected of committing another five robberies in the areas of Calpe, Alicante, and the Malaga resorts of Sabinillas, Cala de Moral and Torrox.
A police spokesman said: "During the investigation the Civil Guard became aware that previously, from 2008, the suspects had committed three other robberies in (the Costa del Sol resort of) Fuengirola and five more in Marbella."
The last robbery was committed last Friday at 9am local time in the Torrox area.
After being alerted to the incident, the Civil Guard and Judicial Police set up vehicle control points in order to intercept the suspects.
Officers were deployed to different locations around the Mijas and Marbella areas of Malaga.
At about 10am, a group of Civil Guard officers stationed near a toll barrier on the A7 motorway saw a car that matched the description of that used in the robbery.
When they recognised the people inside it, they stopped the car and arrested them, a spokesman said.
The 49-year-old, who has not been named, is thought to be behind 15 hold-ups in the provinces of Malaga and Alicante, accompanied by a 31-year-old Russian woman.
Spanish police believe the pair could have stolen about 115,000 euros (£98,345) in the raids.
They are suspected of working together to carry out the crimes, a police spokesman said.
Detectives believe their modus operandi involved the woman first ringing the bell of the bank and when a member of staff opened the door she would be flanked by the man, who was armed with a pistol. He would then enter and rob the bank.
In some cases the man threatened staff by holding the pistol to their heads, detectives said.
When the pair were arrested, officers seized a car, a pistol, a laptop case, two wigs, a fake beard and moustache and a purse containing stolen money.
Officers from Spain's Civil Guard swooped following a five-month investigation beginning in mid-April and codenamed Operation Flanders.
The probe was launched after a bank robbery in the Malaga town of Mijas on April 16. This was followed by another one in the Alfaz del Pi area of Alicante.
The man and woman arrested are believed to have been responsible for both.middle-aged British man has been arrested in Spain on suspicion of a string of armed bank robberies across the Costa del Sol and elsewhere, police said today.
The 49-year-old, who has not been named, is thought to be behind 15 hold-ups in the provinces of Malaga and Alicante, accompanied by a 31-year-old Russian woman.
Spanish police believe the pair could have stolen about 115,000 euros (£98,345) in the raids.
They are suspected of working together to carry out the crimes, a police spokesman said.
Detectives believe their modus operandi involved the woman first ringing the bell of the bank and when a member of staff opened the door she would be flanked by the man, who was armed with a pistol.
He would then enter and rob the bank.
In some cases the man threatened staff by holding the pistol to their heads, detectives said.
When the pair were arrested, officers seized a car, a pistol, a laptop case, two wigs, a fake beard and moustache and a purse containing stolen money.
Officers from Spain's Civil Guard swooped following a five-month investigation beginning in mid-April and codenamed Operation Flanders.
The probe was launched after a bank robbery in the Malaga town of Mijas on April 16.
This was followed by another one in the Alfaz del Pi area of Alicante.
The man and woman arrested are believed to have been responsible for both.
In the following months they are suspected of committing another five robberies in the areas of Calpe, Alicante, and the Malaga resorts of Sabinillas, Cala de Moral and Torrox.
A police spokesman said: "During the investigation the Civil Guard became aware that previously, from 2008, the suspects had committed three other robberies in (the Costa del Sol resort of) Fuengirola and five more in Marbella."
The last robbery was committed last Friday at 9am local time in the Torrox area.
After being alerted to the incident, the Civil Guard and Judicial Police set up vehicle control points in order to intercept the suspects.
Officers were deployed to different locations around the Mijas and Marbella areas of Malaga.
At about 10am, a group of Civil Guard officers stationed near a toll barrier on the A7 motorway saw a car that matched the description of that used in the robbery.
When they recognised the people inside it, they stopped the car and arrested them, a spokesman said.
Monday, 27 September 2010
Cops bust gangsters in Northern B.C. | Canada | News | Toronto Sun
Cops bust gangsters in Northern B.C. | Canada | News | Toronto Sun: "Game Tight Soldiers' stranglehold on organized crime in Prince George has been loosened during a recent police sting.
Mounties say that 'Original Gangster' Eric James Fike, 30, is facing 25 charges after a three-day investigation into the northern B.C. gang.
Fike and a woman were arrested after allegedly retrieving a bag containing two loaded handguns, a sub-machine gun and eight ounces of cocaine from a wooded area.
Police also raided a home on Gauthier Road and seized cocaine, heroin, marijuana and other drug trafficking paraphernalia.
Investigators matched fingerprints at the scene to another member of the Game Tight Soldiers, who is also linked to the Prince George Renegades motorcycle gang.
He is also facing numerous criminal charges, but has not been named"
Mounties say that 'Original Gangster' Eric James Fike, 30, is facing 25 charges after a three-day investigation into the northern B.C. gang.
Fike and a woman were arrested after allegedly retrieving a bag containing two loaded handguns, a sub-machine gun and eight ounces of cocaine from a wooded area.
Police also raided a home on Gauthier Road and seized cocaine, heroin, marijuana and other drug trafficking paraphernalia.
Investigators matched fingerprints at the scene to another member of the Game Tight Soldiers, who is also linked to the Prince George Renegades motorcycle gang.
He is also facing numerous criminal charges, but has not been named"
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Rapist Murphy moves to France - National News, Frontpage - Independent.ie
Rapist Murphy moves to France - National News, Frontpage - Independent.ie: "rapist and suspected killer Larry Murphy is now believed to be living in France and does not intend to return to Ireland.
Despite persistent rumours that he has returned, Murphy, 45, spent only a week in Dublin after his release from prison, apart from a brief visit to Cork.
Reports that he had relocated to the Costa del Sol in Spain sparked near panic in the region after local media took up the story. Reported sightings of Murphy in his native Baltinglass, Co Wicklow, where he was supposed to be visiting a sick relative, were dismissed by gardai.
However, it is understood an arrangement has now been worked out with French police for Murphy to live there under close supervision. Murphy will have to comply with the same procedures applied under the Sex Offenders Register, where he has to inform police of his whereabouts.
Gardai are in touch with the French police over his conditions of release. He does not have to make regular contact or sign on at a police station."
Despite persistent rumours that he has returned, Murphy, 45, spent only a week in Dublin after his release from prison, apart from a brief visit to Cork.
Reports that he had relocated to the Costa del Sol in Spain sparked near panic in the region after local media took up the story. Reported sightings of Murphy in his native Baltinglass, Co Wicklow, where he was supposed to be visiting a sick relative, were dismissed by gardai.
However, it is understood an arrangement has now been worked out with French police for Murphy to live there under close supervision. Murphy will have to comply with the same procedures applied under the Sex Offenders Register, where he has to inform police of his whereabouts.
Gardai are in touch with the French police over his conditions of release. He does not have to make regular contact or sign on at a police station."
alleged ringleader Raymond John Whelehan, 55, an Irish national, was arrested in a Spanish jail where he is already serving a sentence for trafficking
Drugs boat Brits held - mirror.co.uk: "Seven Britons have been arrested after a raid on a boat sailing to the UK from Spain loaded with cannabis worth £10million.
The catamaran was boarded in the Straits of Gibraltar and 3.2 tonnes of hashish discovered.
Two men and two women were seized by Spanish police on the Costa Del Sol while three men were arrested in Britain after £500,000 in cash was found in house raids.
The alleged ringleader Raymond John Whelehan, 55, an Irish national, was arrested in a Spanish jail where he is already serving a sentence for trafficking."
The catamaran was boarded in the Straits of Gibraltar and 3.2 tonnes of hashish discovered.
Two men and two women were seized by Spanish police on the Costa Del Sol while three men were arrested in Britain after £500,000 in cash was found in house raids.
The alleged ringleader Raymond John Whelehan, 55, an Irish national, was arrested in a Spanish jail where he is already serving a sentence for trafficking."
Saturday, 25 September 2010
sudden departure of ‘Mr Marbella’ Maurice Boland from his post at Talk Radio Europe (TRE).
sudden departure of ‘Mr Marbella’ Maurice Boland from his post at Talk Radio Europe (TRE).
While the radio station would only officially confirm he was “away on sick leave”, its chairman Martin Nathan did not deny that there had been an incident involving a teenage entertainer.
Irish DJ Boland – who has worked since the 1980s in Marbella, interviewing a string of famous people, including British Prime Minister David Cameron – confirmed to the Olive Press that he was “stepping down.”
Station boss Nathan told the Olive Press: “I am not at this moment prepared to make a statement regarding the rumours, but I would ask you to consider the effect this is having on the family concerned.
“I am not concerned about the adult involved, that is a different thing, but I would ask you to respect the privacy of the youngster and the family.”
He continued: “I need to talk to the family to see if they are prepared to talk to you. At the moment they are trying to come to terms with a difficult situation.”
Despite reports, he insisted that the police had not been called to the radio station on Monday, Boland’s last day.
Nor would he confirm if Boland – who is married with three children – was confronted by the family.
He said: “All I can say officially is that he is away on sick leave and will not be returning. A further statement will follow shortly.”
One of the station’s long-term presenters however, confirmed the incidents to the Olive Press, adding: “I have been called to a big meeting tommorrow.
“All I can say is that there was a huge error of judgement on Maurice’s part, but it was not illegal.
“It is all rather tragic. I have worked with him for decades, but sadly, his position there is now clearly untenable.
“I feel most sorry for the charities he worked with like Cudeca, who will be missing out from all his hard work.”
Various internet sites meanwhile ran the rumours in full.
According to a comment left by ‘Ben Hampton’ on former TRE presenter Stephen Ritson’s blog, the family turned up at the studios on Monday.
After revealing the reasons why, he wrote: “The whole thing sickens me.”
Last night Boland confirmed that he had “talked” to the family, but that wasn’t why he had left.
“I’m stepping down for personal reasons, everything else is speculative. I have talked to the family and nothing illegal has happened.”
Boland first moved from Dublin to Marbella in the 1980s. His radio talk show took off in the 1990s and since then he has interviewed hundreds of celebrities, including Cliff Richard, Jeffrey Archer and Nigel Mansell.
Kinahan's men quizzed on brutal murder of The Don - City News, National News - Herald.ie
Kinahan's men quizzed on brutal murder of The Don - City News, National News - Herald.ie: "DRUGS kingpin Christy Kinahan was today linked to the Don's murder.
Two associates of the Costa crime boss were being quizzed by detectives for planning Eamonn Dunne's killing.
Gardai believe Kinahan's men provided logistical support to the north inner city gang who shot notorious gangster The Don in a Cabra pub last April.
Officers believe the men, in their late 20s, may have supplied the weapons for the attack and are examining two handguns seized during searches yesterday.
According to security sources, Kinahan and Dunne fell out over cocaine pricing and the number of murders The Don had ordered.
'When Kinahan speaks, you listen, that's the unwritten rule. But Dunne was too pig-headed to take orders,' a source said.
They are trying to establish whether they can link the weapons to Dunne's murder."
Two associates of the Costa crime boss were being quizzed by detectives for planning Eamonn Dunne's killing.
Gardai believe Kinahan's men provided logistical support to the north inner city gang who shot notorious gangster The Don in a Cabra pub last April.
Officers believe the men, in their late 20s, may have supplied the weapons for the attack and are examining two handguns seized during searches yesterday.
According to security sources, Kinahan and Dunne fell out over cocaine pricing and the number of murders The Don had ordered.
'When Kinahan speaks, you listen, that's the unwritten rule. But Dunne was too pig-headed to take orders,' a source said.
They are trying to establish whether they can link the weapons to Dunne's murder."
Friday, 24 September 2010
Freddie Thompson’s gang arrest Warrants were issued for them by Spanish police
Bloodbath is averted in Freddie raid - National News, Frontpage - Herald.ie: "Thompson and his gangland pal Gary Hutch are currently in hiding in Amsterdam's criminal underworld after European Arrest Warrants were issued for them by Spanish police.
Empire
Authorities in the Costa Del Sol wish to quiz them over the killing of gun-for-hire Paddy Doyle in 2008 in the Costa Del Sol and their involvement with Christy Kinahan's drugs empire.
Gardai have not yet established how long the Ingram machine guns had been in the country.
They are likely to have been supplied to the gang as “sweeteners” with drug shipments.
The weapons cache contained four Ingram 9mm rapidfiring machine guns, four silencers, four loaded magazines each, 16 rounds of 9mm parabellum bullets and another bag of loose ammunition.
Detectives found the guns when they swooped on a lockup at Damastown industrial estate in Mulhuddart in west Dublin."
Empire
Authorities in the Costa Del Sol wish to quiz them over the killing of gun-for-hire Paddy Doyle in 2008 in the Costa Del Sol and their involvement with Christy Kinahan's drugs empire.
Gardai have not yet established how long the Ingram machine guns had been in the country.
They are likely to have been supplied to the gang as “sweeteners” with drug shipments.
The weapons cache contained four Ingram 9mm rapidfiring machine guns, four silencers, four loaded magazines each, 16 rounds of 9mm parabellum bullets and another bag of loose ammunition.
Detectives found the guns when they swooped on a lockup at Damastown industrial estate in Mulhuddart in west Dublin."
costadelsol.st - News - Costa del Sol
costadelsol.st - News - Costa del Sol: "According to reports in the Spanish press a taxi driver in Malaga is to face trial for a crime against road safety for driving under the influence of hashish and cocaine.
It is reported that on the 9th June at 23.15 the driver named as Daniel O allegedly transported passengers while under the influence of hashish and cocaine.
It is understood from the reports after the accused picked up passengers from the club Scandalo on the industrial estate he allegedly used excessive speed while driving away and then performed an illegal u turn before returning to the club.
It is then alleged that the driver entered the club leaving the passengers in the taxi. He then allegedly stayed inside for a few minutes before leaving again and again performing another illegal u turn.
According to the reports the prosecution has asked for a fine amounting to 6 euros a day for one year."
It is reported that on the 9th June at 23.15 the driver named as Daniel O allegedly transported passengers while under the influence of hashish and cocaine.
It is understood from the reports after the accused picked up passengers from the club Scandalo on the industrial estate he allegedly used excessive speed while driving away and then performed an illegal u turn before returning to the club.
It is then alleged that the driver entered the club leaving the passengers in the taxi. He then allegedly stayed inside for a few minutes before leaving again and again performing another illegal u turn.
According to the reports the prosecution has asked for a fine amounting to 6 euros a day for one year."
Euro Weekly News | Shooter arrested 11 years on | Costa del Sol | News | The Largest English Language Newspapers in Spain
Euro Weekly News | Shooter arrested 11 years on | Costa del Sol | News | The Largest English Language Newspapers in Spain: "Police have arrested a 33-year-old man in Benalmadena’s Puerto Marina for his role in a shooting at a Madrid disco in 1999. At the time of his arrests he was carrying a forged Spanish passport. He allegedly belong to a gang known as ‘the Iranians’ who wanted control over security and drug dealing in Madrid discos in the nineties.
In the early hours of May 11, 1999, he and several other men, armed with knives and guns, killed one of the doormen at the disco and injured another three who were wearing bullet-proof vests."
In the early hours of May 11, 1999, he and several other men, armed with knives and guns, killed one of the doormen at the disco and injured another three who were wearing bullet-proof vests."
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Irish rapist Larry Murphy allowed to move to Costa del Sol | Olive Press Newspaper
Irish rapist Larry Murphy allowed to move to Costa del Sol | Olive Press Newspaper: "Larry Murphy has relocated to the Costa del Sol after serving only 10 years of a 15-year sentence for the attempted murder and repeated rape of a businesswoman in 2000.
The 45-year-old, who successfully applied for a passport and driver’s licence while still behind bars, is reported to have refused offers of rehabilitation and counselling when in prison.
He is also suspected to have connections with the disappearance of six other women.
But while Spanish police insist they are going to keep the violent rapist under surveillance, Spain does not have a sex-offenders’ register.
As a result he only has to tell the Irish police of any change in address allowing him to live here in relative
freedom."
The 45-year-old, who successfully applied for a passport and driver’s licence while still behind bars, is reported to have refused offers of rehabilitation and counselling when in prison.
He is also suspected to have connections with the disappearance of six other women.
But while Spanish police insist they are going to keep the violent rapist under surveillance, Spain does not have a sex-offenders’ register.
As a result he only has to tell the Irish police of any change in address allowing him to live here in relative
freedom."
British man ran drug trafficking operation from his prison cell in Sevilla
British man ran drug trafficking operation from his prison cell in Sevilla: "British man is accused of running a drug trafficking network from his prison cell in Sevilla. National Police have collaborated with the SOCA serious crimes unit of the British Police in the operation.
The network was based on the Costa del Sol, and the police operation has resulted in the impounding of a Catamaran found to be carrying 3,200 kilos of hashish, just hours after a yacht escorted into Cádiz was found to be carrying 1,500 kilos of cocaine.
The network was organised by a British man who was on an open regime in the Sevilla jail, serving time for previous drug offences, and he organised a group of compatriots based on the Costa del Sol. The chief had also asked for a transfer to Málaga jail."
The network was based on the Costa del Sol, and the police operation has resulted in the impounding of a Catamaran found to be carrying 3,200 kilos of hashish, just hours after a yacht escorted into Cádiz was found to be carrying 1,500 kilos of cocaine.
The network was organised by a British man who was on an open regime in the Sevilla jail, serving time for previous drug offences, and he organised a group of compatriots based on the Costa del Sol. The chief had also asked for a transfer to Málaga jail."
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Britons pay more for food and fuel than other European citizens
Britons pay more for food and fuel than other European citizens, while spending more time in the office per week and enjoying less sunshine.
Their disposable income levels are also falling behind residents of other countries, and funding for health and education is below average.
Only Ireland fares worse than Britain in an updated quality of life index for Europe compiled by uSwitch.com, as the republic has fewer hours of sunshine, a higher retirement age and lower public spending on essential services.
Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, the price comparison website, said: “Last year compared with our European neighbours we were miserable but rich, this year we’re miserable and poor.
“Whereas some countries work to live, UK consumers live to work. In fact we work harder, take less holiday and retire later than most of our European counterparts - but the high cost of living makes this a necessity rather than a choice.
“With salaries failing to keep up with inflation, it’s likely that we’re a long way from achieving the quality of life that people in other countries enjoy.”
Last year’s league table of 10 leading European economies - assessing income, prices, working culture and public spending – put Britain in last place.
This year it has jumped above Ireland but in some respects Britons are now faring worse than residents of other countries.
Britain now has the fourth-highest retirement age of any country – averaging 63.1 years – and is set to rise still higher.
Net household income after tax, at £37,172 a year, is now lower than the amount earned in Ireland, the Netherlands and Denmark.
This is likely to fall still further when VAT rises to 20 per cent in the New Year, while public services will suffer following next month’s Comprehensive Spending Review, which will lead to budget cuts of up to 40 per cent in some Whitehall departments.
France and Spain again topped the quality of life index, as workers there have more paid holidays, earlier retirement, lower prices, longer life expectancy and more sunshine.
Their disposable income levels are also falling behind residents of other countries, and funding for health and education is below average.
Only Ireland fares worse than Britain in an updated quality of life index for Europe compiled by uSwitch.com, as the republic has fewer hours of sunshine, a higher retirement age and lower public spending on essential services.
Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, the price comparison website, said: “Last year compared with our European neighbours we were miserable but rich, this year we’re miserable and poor.
“Whereas some countries work to live, UK consumers live to work. In fact we work harder, take less holiday and retire later than most of our European counterparts - but the high cost of living makes this a necessity rather than a choice.
“With salaries failing to keep up with inflation, it’s likely that we’re a long way from achieving the quality of life that people in other countries enjoy.”
Last year’s league table of 10 leading European economies - assessing income, prices, working culture and public spending – put Britain in last place.
This year it has jumped above Ireland but in some respects Britons are now faring worse than residents of other countries.
Britain now has the fourth-highest retirement age of any country – averaging 63.1 years – and is set to rise still higher.
Net household income after tax, at £37,172 a year, is now lower than the amount earned in Ireland, the Netherlands and Denmark.
This is likely to fall still further when VAT rises to 20 per cent in the New Year, while public services will suffer following next month’s Comprehensive Spending Review, which will lead to budget cuts of up to 40 per cent in some Whitehall departments.
France and Spain again topped the quality of life index, as workers there have more paid holidays, earlier retirement, lower prices, longer life expectancy and more sunshine.
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Energy Tribune- Mafia ‘Hits’ EU Wind Subsidies
Energy Tribune- Mafia ‘Hits’ EU Wind Subsidies: "According to the US corporate security consultancy, Kroll, the Mafia and organized crime generally, have been skimming millions of Euros from the EU’s €6 billion ($8.7 billion) clean energy budget since 2007. Originally set up to fund green projects between 2000 and 2013, Kroll has detected increasing fraud and criminal activity, especially over wind subsidies in Italy, Spain, Romania, Bulgaria, as well as other parts of central and eastern Europe.
Speaking to Energy Tribune (ET), Jason Wright, a Kroll senior director responsible for conducting due diligence on green energy projects on behalf of legitimate clients, says, “The energy sector has always had a higher level of corruption issues, but EU pressure to meet lower carbon targets has undoubtedly created a gold rush mentality towards EU alternative energy subsidies.”
Investigations have revealed wind scams range from building wind turbines that then stand idle – nothing new in that we might think – to some that stand derelict, with others never being built at all. There is equally evidence to suggest some organized syndicates initially invest only to sell on to unsuspecting legitimate buyers. But it was the spiralling scale of applications that finally alerted for government officials in Italy. Especially as wind farms sprang up across much of the southern part of the country – one of the least windy areas in Europe."
Speaking to Energy Tribune (ET), Jason Wright, a Kroll senior director responsible for conducting due diligence on green energy projects on behalf of legitimate clients, says, “The energy sector has always had a higher level of corruption issues, but EU pressure to meet lower carbon targets has undoubtedly created a gold rush mentality towards EU alternative energy subsidies.”
Investigations have revealed wind scams range from building wind turbines that then stand idle – nothing new in that we might think – to some that stand derelict, with others never being built at all. There is equally evidence to suggest some organized syndicates initially invest only to sell on to unsuspecting legitimate buyers. But it was the spiralling scale of applications that finally alerted for government officials in Italy. Especially as wind farms sprang up across much of the southern part of the country – one of the least windy areas in Europe."
Spain's paramilitary police protest for better pay < Spanish news | Expatica Spain
Spain's paramilitary police protest for better pay < Spanish news | Expatica Spain: "Several thousand Spanish paramilitary police officers protested Saturday in Madrid over salaries and work conditions that they say should at least match the national police force.
Madrid's top court allowed the officers to hold the demonstration despite normally being forbidden from protesting and opposition from the interior ministry.
Dressed in civilian clothes, the officers began their protest at midday, shouting 'no to budget cuts' and holding banners with statements such as 'that's enough mistreatment'.
'We are the ones who have fought terrorism (the Basque separatist group ETA) far better than the national police, yet it seems the interior minister is marginalising us', one 62-year-old member of the guards' reserve brigade said.
Spain's civil guard, a police force with a military status like the French gendarmes or Italian Carabinieri, want work conditions on par with the national police, which has a civil status and less difficult working hours."
Madrid's top court allowed the officers to hold the demonstration despite normally being forbidden from protesting and opposition from the interior ministry.
Dressed in civilian clothes, the officers began their protest at midday, shouting 'no to budget cuts' and holding banners with statements such as 'that's enough mistreatment'.
'We are the ones who have fought terrorism (the Basque separatist group ETA) far better than the national police, yet it seems the interior minister is marginalising us', one 62-year-old member of the guards' reserve brigade said.
Spain's civil guard, a police force with a military status like the French gendarmes or Italian Carabinieri, want work conditions on par with the national police, which has a civil status and less difficult working hours."
Gibraltar man and British man had broken into a jewellery ,Spain demands answers after Gibraltar police search house < Spanish news | Expatica Spain
Spain demands answers after Gibraltar police search house < Spanish news | Expatica Spain: "Spain's foreign ministry on Saturday slammed as 'unacceptable' two Gibraltar policemen entering a southern Spanish city to investigate a crime and demanded an explanation from Britain.
The Spanish foreign ministry said it had contacted the British ambassador in Spain and the authorities in Gibraltar to express its 'deep displeasure and the categorical rejection of the Spanish government of these unacceptable facts' and demanded and explanation.
'The Spanish government hopes that events like these will not be reproduced and that it can maintain a good climate of judicial and police cooperation with Britain in Gibraltar,' the foreign ministry added in a statement.
The Spanish newspaper ABC revealed Saturday that on August 4 a Gibraltar man and British man had broken into a jewellery shop in Gibraltar, before escaping on a motorcycle."
The Spanish foreign ministry said it had contacted the British ambassador in Spain and the authorities in Gibraltar to express its 'deep displeasure and the categorical rejection of the Spanish government of these unacceptable facts' and demanded and explanation.
'The Spanish government hopes that events like these will not be reproduced and that it can maintain a good climate of judicial and police cooperation with Britain in Gibraltar,' the foreign ministry added in a statement.
The Spanish newspaper ABC revealed Saturday that on August 4 a Gibraltar man and British man had broken into a jewellery shop in Gibraltar, before escaping on a motorcycle."
Spain complains after Gibraltar police incursion | World | Reuters
Spain complains after Gibraltar police incursion | World | Reuters: "Spain has complained to Britain after police from its territory Gibraltar entered Spain illegally to raid a house, Spanish and Gibraltar authorities said on Saturday.Gibraltar has apologised to Spain for the actions of the two policemen, who searched a house just over the border in Spain without permission from the local authorities and seized evidence relating to a crime committed in the territory.
'This is a regrettable incident in which Gibraltar police have acted improperly and I have not hesitated in apologising to the Spanish government,' Gibraltar's Chief Minister Peter Caruana said."
'This is a regrettable incident in which Gibraltar police have acted improperly and I have not hesitated in apologising to the Spanish government,' Gibraltar's Chief Minister Peter Caruana said."
Saturday, 18 September 2010
Guardia weed out drugsters |Crime Scene Spain
Guardia weed out drugsters |Crime Scene Spain: "GUARDIA CIVIL from Ronda seized 22 marihuana plants from three houses and a rural area in Arriate (Malaga).
Three people have been charged. Meanwhile, Guardia Civil from Archidona and Villanueva del Trabuco seized another 10 plants and arrested three people from Villanueva del Rosario.
These arrests led them to Loja, Granada, where they located other people who were also growing and selling marihuana. They were also arrested."
Three people have been charged. Meanwhile, Guardia Civil from Archidona and Villanueva del Trabuco seized another 10 plants and arrested three people from Villanueva del Rosario.
These arrests led them to Loja, Granada, where they located other people who were also growing and selling marihuana. They were also arrested."
Briton gets 9 years for Puerto Banus shooting |Crime Scene Spain
Briton gets 9 years for Puerto Banus shooting |Crime Scene Spain: "Englishman was sentenced by a Malaga Court to nine years in prison for shooting a fellow Brit outside a Puerto Banus bar in 2008. He was given eight years for attempted murder and one for illegal possession of weapons.
As this was the third shooting in less than a month in Marbella. At the time Spanish Interior Minister Alfredo Rubalcaba suggested the shootings may have been related to the settling of scores between rival drugs gangs. However, in the sentencing, there is no mention of this. The other two shootings occurred in renowned Nikki Beach and Aloha Garden Bar.
According to the sentence the events took place in the early evening of September 24, 2008. The defendant and the victim, thought to be in his 30s from Liverpool, knew each other from a gym they both frequented near Solly’s Bar in Puerto Banus."
As this was the third shooting in less than a month in Marbella. At the time Spanish Interior Minister Alfredo Rubalcaba suggested the shootings may have been related to the settling of scores between rival drugs gangs. However, in the sentencing, there is no mention of this. The other two shootings occurred in renowned Nikki Beach and Aloha Garden Bar.
According to the sentence the events took place in the early evening of September 24, 2008. The defendant and the victim, thought to be in his 30s from Liverpool, knew each other from a gym they both frequented near Solly’s Bar in Puerto Banus."
Friday, 17 September 2010
Alexandra Escat and Prince Andrew fly to Malaga on private jet | Olive Press Newspaper
Alexandra Escat and Prince Andrew fly to Malaga on private jet | Olive Press Newspaper: "SPANISH model has spoken for the first time about her close dalliances with Prince Andrew this summer.
Alexandra Escat has revealed how she flew on a private jet with the British playboy prince to Malaga, after spending a few days with him on a private yacht in Sardinia.
Despite being photographed rubbing cream on his back, the face of Ponds, played down rumours that they had become an item.
Intriguingly, Escat, 25, who is studying at Madrid university, enlisted Costa del Sol-based media svengali Max Clifford, to set up a high-profile media interview with the Mail on Sunday.
It came after Andrew had reportedly texted the student “a dozen times” telling her to keep quiet about their friendship.
In a carefully-worded interview with the paper she revealed how they had shared a plane ride together from Olbia airport to Malaga, where Andrew was attending his daughter Bea’s 22nd birthday party in nearby Sotogrande.
Alexandra said: “Andrew was planning to fly to Malaga the following day because his daughter Beatrice was having a birthday thing.
“He was going by private jet so my friend said I should go with him to get a connecting flight to Madrid from there, so that’s what I did.”
But, the model, who has a Spanish mother and a Filipino father, denied that their few days together had become romantic.
“I’m not stupid,” she said. “I can see what a juicy bit of gossip it must have seemed – one day I’m putting oil on Andrew’s back; the next we’re getting on a private jet together. It all looks so romantic doesn’t it?”"
Alexandra Escat has revealed how she flew on a private jet with the British playboy prince to Malaga, after spending a few days with him on a private yacht in Sardinia.
Despite being photographed rubbing cream on his back, the face of Ponds, played down rumours that they had become an item.
Intriguingly, Escat, 25, who is studying at Madrid university, enlisted Costa del Sol-based media svengali Max Clifford, to set up a high-profile media interview with the Mail on Sunday.
It came after Andrew had reportedly texted the student “a dozen times” telling her to keep quiet about their friendship.
In a carefully-worded interview with the paper she revealed how they had shared a plane ride together from Olbia airport to Malaga, where Andrew was attending his daughter Bea’s 22nd birthday party in nearby Sotogrande.
Alexandra said: “Andrew was planning to fly to Malaga the following day because his daughter Beatrice was having a birthday thing.
“He was going by private jet so my friend said I should go with him to get a connecting flight to Madrid from there, so that’s what I did.”
But, the model, who has a Spanish mother and a Filipino father, denied that their few days together had become romantic.
“I’m not stupid,” she said. “I can see what a juicy bit of gossip it must have seemed – one day I’m putting oil on Andrew’s back; the next we’re getting on a private jet together. It all looks so romantic doesn’t it?”"
Another of Britain’s most wanted arrested in Spain | Olive Press Newspaper
Another of Britain’s most wanted arrested in Spain | Olive Press Newspaper: "Alleged drug dealer, David Anthony Stuart, nicknamed ‘Catman’, was arrested on Tuesday in Barcelona, more than five years after he fled the country.
According to the Crimestoppers website it is believed he had been using the name of John among other aliases and was thought to be working here as a funeral director.
Police had begun hunting for the 35 year old fugitive from Accrington after he failed to attend his trial at Preston Crown Court in June 2005.
Stuart had originally been arrested in July 2004 for the possession of 20,000 ecstasy tablets.
And was subsequently charged with two offences; conspiracy to supply, and possession with intent to supply a Class A drug, which earned him a place on the most wanted list.
He now becomes the 36th person to be arrested from an original list of 50 included in Operación Captura led by the Serious Organised Crime Agency and Crimestoppers.
Director General of SOCA, Trevor Pearce, welcomed the arrest as “another excellent result for our partnership with Spain”.
He said: “It would seem that plenty of British fugitives and criminals still haven’t worked out that basing themselves in Spain is not a particularly smart move.
“We won’t stop coming after them – and the Spanish Police are more than happy to arrest them and get them sent back to the UK.”"
According to the Crimestoppers website it is believed he had been using the name of John among other aliases and was thought to be working here as a funeral director.
Police had begun hunting for the 35 year old fugitive from Accrington after he failed to attend his trial at Preston Crown Court in June 2005.
Stuart had originally been arrested in July 2004 for the possession of 20,000 ecstasy tablets.
And was subsequently charged with two offences; conspiracy to supply, and possession with intent to supply a Class A drug, which earned him a place on the most wanted list.
He now becomes the 36th person to be arrested from an original list of 50 included in Operación Captura led by the Serious Organised Crime Agency and Crimestoppers.
Director General of SOCA, Trevor Pearce, welcomed the arrest as “another excellent result for our partnership with Spain”.
He said: “It would seem that plenty of British fugitives and criminals still haven’t worked out that basing themselves in Spain is not a particularly smart move.
“We won’t stop coming after them – and the Spanish Police are more than happy to arrest them and get them sent back to the UK.”"
Airlift home for explosion mum
The Weston Mercury - Airlift home for explosion mum: "Carol Gardener, aged 53, was flown by air ambulance back to Britain from the Costa Del Sol last week after being discharged from intensive care at a Spanish hospital.
The mother-of-two suffered a fractured skill and severe burns to her upper body after hot water pipes burst from the outer wall of a hotel she was walking past on August 23.
But the Dunster Crescent resident, who in the past seven days has opened her eyes and begun talking, cannot remember anything about the incident.
Her daughter Tanya Gardener, aged 31, said: 'Carol is making a good recovery and we're delighted to get her back to this country again."
Fox Crime | Fox Crime Scuba | Fox Scuba Divers | Mediaite
Fox Crime | Fox Crime Scuba | Fox Scuba Divers | Mediaite: "So you’re trying to get viewers to know about the launch of Fox Crime, a Spanish channel dedicated to series like Dexter and Law and Order. What’s a memorable way you can get the name to stick in people’s heads? Well, if you’re the ad agency, Bungalow 25, the answer is simple; you dress up a mannequin to look like a dead body, sink it in a popular scuba diving location, and let it scare the ever living crap out of some divers."
Euro Weekly News | Organised crime figures frustrating the police | Spain | News | The Largest English Language Newspapers in Spain
Euro Weekly News | Organised crime figures frustrating the police | Spain | News | The Largest English Language Newspapers in Spain: "6,000 organised crime suspects arrested in Spain last year, only 25 per cent were sent to prison.
The police claim makes them feel extremely frustrated, and makes their job even tougher.
In most cases, only the higher echelons of the gangs see the inside of a cell, whereas others are cautioned and set up their own operations.
Between 2007 and 2009, 1,443 gangs dedicated to organised crime were dismantled by police in Spain.
There are some 6,700 police officers in Spain dedicated to fighting organized crime.
On the positive side, some 7,590 repeat offenders were extradited from Spain last year alone, many of whom also belonged to these gangs.
More than half of last year’s detainees were foreigners."
The police claim makes them feel extremely frustrated, and makes their job even tougher.
In most cases, only the higher echelons of the gangs see the inside of a cell, whereas others are cautioned and set up their own operations.
Between 2007 and 2009, 1,443 gangs dedicated to organised crime were dismantled by police in Spain.
There are some 6,700 police officers in Spain dedicated to fighting organized crime.
On the positive side, some 7,590 repeat offenders were extradited from Spain last year alone, many of whom also belonged to these gangs.
More than half of last year’s detainees were foreigners."
Marketing: Bungalow 25's Campaign for Fox Crime Network - Global News - Advertising Age
Marketing: Bungalow 25's Campaign for Fox Crime Network - Global News - Advertising Age: "Spaniards who just returned from their summer vacations less relaxed than usual can blame the new Fox Crime TV channel, whose launch strategy for Spain was to make their holidays as scary as possible. That included sinking a fake dead body -- a mannequin wrapped in a black cloth and bound with chains -- at the bottom of the ocean at popular scuba diving spot El Cabo Negro along the coast of Alicante.
Fox Crime TV channel sunk a fake dead body at the bottom of the ocean at a popular scuba diving spot in Spain. Bungalow 25, the Madrid-based independent agency that masterminded the 'Crimes of Summer' scare campaign also planted a camera underwater to record the reactions of horrified scuba divers who thought they had stumbled across a murder victim. The video was sent to bloggers to spread virally and posted on YouTube. Seen up close, it's clear the mannequin's feet are cemented into a box that says 'New channel. Fox Crime. Discover It.'"
Fox Crime TV channel sunk a fake dead body at the bottom of the ocean at a popular scuba diving spot in Spain. Bungalow 25, the Madrid-based independent agency that masterminded the 'Crimes of Summer' scare campaign also planted a camera underwater to record the reactions of horrified scuba divers who thought they had stumbled across a murder victim. The video was sent to bloggers to spread virally and posted on YouTube. Seen up close, it's clear the mannequin's feet are cemented into a box that says 'New channel. Fox Crime. Discover It.'"
Marbella-based judge who has been overseeing a corruption case in which Sean Connery and his wife have been implicated, has quit the Marbella Court.
RICARDO PUYOL, the Marbella-based judge who has been overseeing a corruption case in which Sean Connery and his wife have been implicated, has quit the Marbella Court.
But before he steps down he is expected to see through the proceedings in the headline-grabbing ‘Goldfinger’ case.
Connery and his wife, and about 20 other people, including members of the lawyers’ offices, Diaz-Bastien y Truan, and the ex Municipal Real Estate Assessor, Juan Antonio Roca, face charges of the misuse of public funds, perversion of the course of justice, fraud, and town planning crimes in the Goldfinger case, which arose from the sale of the Connery villa ‘Malibu’ and the construction of 72 flats on the site.
Puyol leaves his post without completing the investigation process, which is looking at alleged illegal development on the ground where Connery and his wife lived for many years from the 1970s.
Auditors estimate that over €2.7m were taken from public funds to complete the properties, while the General Plan for Urban Development (PGOU) in 1986 also states that it only authourised the building of five houses.
It’s estimated that profits perhaps as high as €53 million were gained from Malibu site sale.
Thursday, 16 September 2010
Jailed, gang who tried to sell girls’ virginity
Jailed, gang who tried to sell girls’ virginity - Manchester Evening News: "Four members of a prostitution ring who tried to sell the virginity of young women for up to £150,000 have been jailed.
As reported yesterday, the gang – two of them from Wigan – plotted to rake in huge sums by setting up a party at which young women could accept offers of sex for cash from Arab businessmen.
They offered their services in a handwritten letter to the owner of a hotel in Knightsbridge, central London, last August. Police said he had no knowledge of the crimes.
Suspicious staff passed the note to Scotland Yard, which began an undercover operation, Harrow Crown Court heard.
Provocative photographs of the girls, including one aged 14, were exchanged in 27 emails before the meeting alongside discussion of what sex acts
they were prepared to undertake.
One conspirator said some of the girls were virgins who could be ‘broken’ by the client and offered to bring two 13-year-olds to the party for dancing.
The gang was husband and wife Fatima Hagnegat, 24, and Rasoul Gholampour, 30, of Redbrook Road, Wigan; Mahrookh Jamali, 41, of Kilburn, north London; and Sara Bordbar, of north London."
As reported yesterday, the gang – two of them from Wigan – plotted to rake in huge sums by setting up a party at which young women could accept offers of sex for cash from Arab businessmen.
They offered their services in a handwritten letter to the owner of a hotel in Knightsbridge, central London, last August. Police said he had no knowledge of the crimes.
Suspicious staff passed the note to Scotland Yard, which began an undercover operation, Harrow Crown Court heard.
Provocative photographs of the girls, including one aged 14, were exchanged in 27 emails before the meeting alongside discussion of what sex acts
they were prepared to undertake.
One conspirator said some of the girls were virgins who could be ‘broken’ by the client and offered to bring two 13-year-olds to the party for dancing.
The gang was husband and wife Fatima Hagnegat, 24, and Rasoul Gholampour, 30, of Redbrook Road, Wigan; Mahrookh Jamali, 41, of Kilburn, north London; and Sara Bordbar, of north London."
Most Wanted fugitive arrested in Barcelona | Crimestoppers UK
Most Wanted fugitive arrested in Barcelona | Crimestoppers UK: "Crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers can confirm that one of Britain’s most wanted individuals under Operation Captura, David Anthony Stuart, was arrested on Tuesday 14 September 2010 in Barcelona. [15 September 2010]
David Anthony Stuart, from Accrington, was originally arrested in July 2004 for possession of 20,000 ecstasy tablets. He failed to attend his trial at Preston Crown Court in June 2005 and was subsequently charged with two offences of conspiracy to supply a Class A controlled drug, namely MDMA (ecstasy) & possession with intent to supply a Class A controlled drug."
David Anthony Stuart, from Accrington, was originally arrested in July 2004 for possession of 20,000 ecstasy tablets. He failed to attend his trial at Preston Crown Court in June 2005 and was subsequently charged with two offences of conspiracy to supply a Class A controlled drug, namely MDMA (ecstasy) & possession with intent to supply a Class A controlled drug."
Balearics issue warning over 'balconing' craze - www.travelweekly.co.uk
Balearics issue warning over 'balconing' craze - www.travelweekly.co.uk: "Hotels in Ibiza have been ordered to install safety nets after a 26-year-old Italian plunged to his death from a seventh floor balcony at a hotel in Playa den Bossa on the island.
The ‘balconing’ craze involves leaping from one hotel balcony to another or into a swimming pool. With the death toll up to six people, the Balearic Islands tourist association is to issue warnings to tourists.
An awareness campaign is to be launched in an effort to stop the continuing fatal practice that has become known as ‘balconing’ in the Balearics.
It is hoped a hard-hitting video campaign will have a similar impact to the graphic road safety adverts shown in Spain."
balconing
balconing: "Spanish authorities have issued a warning to tourists in Ibiza and Majorca to refrain from jumping off hotel balconies following four deaths and scores more serious injuries already this season.
Calling the term ‘balconing’, doctors said the number of accidents has tripled compared to last season with many holidaymakers jumping into pools as their friends film them.
“This year it has become a real plague,” a hotel worker from Mallorca told El País newspaper. “If you catch them, they say that they have lost their room key, but mostly they are trying to get to a girl’s room or think they can jump down into the pool,” she added.
British clubber Ryan Elley was this week reported to be in a coma and fighting for his life after falling from a balcony at the Jet Apartments complex in Playa D’en Bossa, Ibiza. The Mail reported that the 20 year old faces a £15,000 for an air ambulance to ferry him back to England because he failed to take out insurance though is currently too ill to travel.
Fellow British holidaymaker Peter Carter, 25, was also seriously injured at the same hotel complex in May after trying to jump from his 40 feet high balcony into the hotel pool. The Londoner reportedly suffered serious injuries after missing the pool by inches.
The Spanish authorities’ warning came a month after British authorities issued an alert against the related British craze of ‘tombstoning’, a practise they described as ‘people leaping from cliffs, pier heads or other high structures into water.’
“During the last five years, 13 people have died and 40 have been injured because of so-called tombstoning,” the Government press release stated, “Please think twice before you jump into the unknown.”"
Dumb Fruits: Balconing : Dangerous Trend in Spain !
Dumb Fruits: Balconing : Dangerous Trend in Spain !: "Balconing is a new stupid trend spreading quickly in Spain where many swimming pools are surrounded by balconies. The principle of balconing is simply jumping from a balcony to another balcony.
More often, balconing is practiced with a jump from a balcony leaping towards a ground-level swimming pool.
During this summer, many groups of young tourists return to their high-rise hotel or residence... The problem is that they often have lost their sense of risk with alcohol and drug consumption...
So far this summer more than 30 people have had accidents playing this dangerous balconing game. Many videos are shared on the Internet now showing 'balconing' within swimming pools... This summer, balconing is responsible for eight deaths so far, according to the Spanish newspaper El Mundo."
More often, balconing is practiced with a jump from a balcony leaping towards a ground-level swimming pool.
During this summer, many groups of young tourists return to their high-rise hotel or residence... The problem is that they often have lost their sense of risk with alcohol and drug consumption...
So far this summer more than 30 people have had accidents playing this dangerous balconing game. Many videos are shared on the Internet now showing 'balconing' within swimming pools... This summer, balconing is responsible for eight deaths so far, according to the Spanish newspaper El Mundo."
Balcony jumping latest deadly fad in Spain
Balcony jumping latest deadly fad in Spain: "young Italian man was the latest casualty in the Balearic Islands of balconing, in which people dive from a balcony into a pool, the Spanish media reported Sunday.
The 26-year-old tourist died after attempting to dive into a pool from his seventh-floor hotel balcony on the island of Ibiza, online newspaper Diario de Mallorca said.
He was the sixth person to die from 'balconing' in the Balearic Islands -- Ibiza, Majorca and Minorca -- this summer, daily newspaper El Mundo said on its website.
Hotel owners in Majorca and Ibiza plan to secure the balconies of their hotel residences to prevent their young clients from jumping, El Mundo added but did not say how."
The 26-year-old tourist died after attempting to dive into a pool from his seventh-floor hotel balcony on the island of Ibiza, online newspaper Diario de Mallorca said.
He was the sixth person to die from 'balconing' in the Balearic Islands -- Ibiza, Majorca and Minorca -- this summer, daily newspaper El Mundo said on its website.
Hotel owners in Majorca and Ibiza plan to secure the balconies of their hotel residences to prevent their young clients from jumping, El Mundo added but did not say how."
Balearics issue warning over 'balconing' craze - www.travelweekly.co.uk
Balearics issue warning over 'balconing' craze - www.travelweekly.co.uk: "Hotels in Ibiza have been ordered to install safety nets after a 26-year-old Italian plunged to his death from a seventh floor balcony at a hotel in Playa den Bossa on the island.
The ‘balconing’ craze involves leaping from one hotel balcony to another or into a swimming pool. With the death toll up to six people, the Balearic Islands tourist association is to issue warnings to tourists.
An awareness campaign is to be launched in an effort to stop the continuing fatal practice that has become known as ‘balconing’ in the Balearics.
It is hoped a hard-hitting video campaign will have a similar impact to the graphic road safety adverts shown in Spain."
The ‘balconing’ craze involves leaping from one hotel balcony to another or into a swimming pool. With the death toll up to six people, the Balearic Islands tourist association is to issue warnings to tourists.
An awareness campaign is to be launched in an effort to stop the continuing fatal practice that has become known as ‘balconing’ in the Balearics.
It is hoped a hard-hitting video campaign will have a similar impact to the graphic road safety adverts shown in Spain."
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
Colombian hitmen wanted for the cold-blooded murder of at least 200 people were arrested by armed police in Spain today.
Colombian hitmen wanted for the cold-blooded murder of at least 200 people were arrested by armed police in Spain today.
Sharpshooter cops swooped on danger men Henry Marin, alias "The Chicken", and Mauricio Sepulveda, known as "Husky", in separate hideouts in the eastern city of Valencia.
Police commanders later described the pair as the most dangerous Colombians ever arrested in Spain, where they fled after unleashing a reign of terror ordered by drug godfathers.
Marin, 36, was arrested in the Mediterranean port city while his alleged accomplice Sepulveda, 44, was captured at nearby La Eliana.
Both men are alleged to have fled to Spain after the break-up of the so-called Self Defence Units of Colombia - a vicious gang of hitmen working for cocaine cartels.
They were being sought over more than 200 murders, kidnappings and torture in Colombia.
Spanish authorities acted amid concerns they had exported their bloody trade to Europe following a wave of contract killings, extortion, kidnapping and drug crime.
Their alleged victims include Colombian footballer, Albeiro Usuriago Lopez, known as the Cock Pigeon, who was gunned down in February 2004.
World Cup qualifier star Lopez helped his national side qualify for the Italia 90 tournament and played club football in Colombia, Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Ecuador, Brazil, Paraguay and Venezuela.
But he was suspended for two years by the Argentine Football Association for testing positive for cocaine before being gunned down in a nightclub in the Colombian city of Santiago de Cali.
Other notorious hits included the killings of two intelligence agents and a woman whose body was left in a suitcase outside a Colombian zoo.
No shots were fired in the raids in which police surrounded the pair, who have both been handed over to the National Criminal Court in Madrid to await extradition.
Sharpshooter cops swooped on danger men Henry Marin, alias "The Chicken", and Mauricio Sepulveda, known as "Husky", in separate hideouts in the eastern city of Valencia.
Police commanders later described the pair as the most dangerous Colombians ever arrested in Spain, where they fled after unleashing a reign of terror ordered by drug godfathers.
Marin, 36, was arrested in the Mediterranean port city while his alleged accomplice Sepulveda, 44, was captured at nearby La Eliana.
Both men are alleged to have fled to Spain after the break-up of the so-called Self Defence Units of Colombia - a vicious gang of hitmen working for cocaine cartels.
They were being sought over more than 200 murders, kidnappings and torture in Colombia.
Spanish authorities acted amid concerns they had exported their bloody trade to Europe following a wave of contract killings, extortion, kidnapping and drug crime.
Their alleged victims include Colombian footballer, Albeiro Usuriago Lopez, known as the Cock Pigeon, who was gunned down in February 2004.
World Cup qualifier star Lopez helped his national side qualify for the Italia 90 tournament and played club football in Colombia, Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Ecuador, Brazil, Paraguay and Venezuela.
But he was suspended for two years by the Argentine Football Association for testing positive for cocaine before being gunned down in a nightclub in the Colombian city of Santiago de Cali.
Other notorious hits included the killings of two intelligence agents and a woman whose body was left in a suitcase outside a Colombian zoo.
No shots were fired in the raids in which police surrounded the pair, who have both been handed over to the National Criminal Court in Madrid to await extradition.
Monday, 13 September 2010
Spanish police bust heroin ring - Monsters and Critics
Spanish police bust heroin ring - Monsters and Critics: "Spanish police claim to have dismantled a heroin smuggling ring in one of their biggest such swoops in the recent years, they said Monday.
Police detained 10 people, including the suspected ring leader who is believed to have coordinated its operations from Madrid.
Most of the suspected ring members were based on Gran Canaria island.
The ring had contacts in opium-producing countries in the Middle East, in transit countries countries in West Africa, in countries where heroin was stored such as the Netherlands, and in Portugal, where some of the drug couriers came from, police said.
Police seized about 30 kilogrammes of heroin in the north-eastern region of Catalonia and in the Canary Islands"
Police detained 10 people, including the suspected ring leader who is believed to have coordinated its operations from Madrid.
Most of the suspected ring members were based on Gran Canaria island.
The ring had contacts in opium-producing countries in the Middle East, in transit countries countries in West Africa, in countries where heroin was stored such as the Netherlands, and in Portugal, where some of the drug couriers came from, police said.
Police seized about 30 kilogrammes of heroin in the north-eastern region of Catalonia and in the Canary Islands"
You can run, but no longer hide! | Olive Press Newspaper
You can run, but no longer hide! | Olive Press Newspaper: "Despite the coastline still being Europe’s undoubted gateway for drugs, the old fashioned cliché that fugitives can easily blend in and settle into an uninterrupted life in the sun, no longer holds true.
With the recent news of James Tomkins arrest in Puerto Banus after a four year man hunt, it is clear that a crackdown on crime is in full force.
Indeed, it leaves just 15 of the 50 suspects – or 30 per cent – that were installed on Crimestoppers Most Wanted List still at large.
And when you consider that at least five of these were perhaps never here in the first place, and five are almost certainly dead, then there could be just Five Men Standing.
It is excellent news and particularly encouraging when added to the recent report that crime in Marbella was down 13.21 per cent last year, putting it at the lowest level in a decade.
There is now a deluge of information available on the undesirables It would seem that times are a-changing, so what gives?"
With the recent news of James Tomkins arrest in Puerto Banus after a four year man hunt, it is clear that a crackdown on crime is in full force.
Indeed, it leaves just 15 of the 50 suspects – or 30 per cent – that were installed on Crimestoppers Most Wanted List still at large.
And when you consider that at least five of these were perhaps never here in the first place, and five are almost certainly dead, then there could be just Five Men Standing.
It is excellent news and particularly encouraging when added to the recent report that crime in Marbella was down 13.21 per cent last year, putting it at the lowest level in a decade.
There is now a deluge of information available on the undesirables It would seem that times are a-changing, so what gives?"
Murder suspect is set to be extradited to Spain - News - Evening Star
Murder suspect is set to be extradited to Spain - News - Evening Star: "Chittock, of Alnesbourn Crescent, Ipswich, had until yesterday to appeal against his extradition to Spain, permission for which was granted at City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court on September 3.
The 36-year-old is the prime suspect in the murder investigation into the death of his live-in girlfriend Sarah Shields.
The 23-year-old’s body was discovered on July 7, in the water off the southern coast of Gran Canaria during their two-week holiday on the island.
A spokesman for the Court of Appeal in London yesterday confirmed Chittock had not challenged the extradition order.
Now the process to fly the father-of-one to Spain for questioning under a European Arrest Warrant can begin.
It is understood the Serious Organised Crime Agency will liaise with the Spanish authorities who will have ten days to submit a travel plan to Suffolk Constabulary and make arrangements to pick Chittock up. Once everything is in place Chittock will be taken to the relevant airport by Suffolk officers and the handover to Spanish police will be made.
If charges are to follow, Chittock will face trial in Spain.
Chittock was charged with perverting the course of justice, although that accusation has now been dropped in order to pave the way for his extradition.
He remains on Suffolk police bail on suspicion of Miss Shields’ murder until September 15, although this is believed to be a technicality."
The 36-year-old is the prime suspect in the murder investigation into the death of his live-in girlfriend Sarah Shields.
The 23-year-old’s body was discovered on July 7, in the water off the southern coast of Gran Canaria during their two-week holiday on the island.
A spokesman for the Court of Appeal in London yesterday confirmed Chittock had not challenged the extradition order.
Now the process to fly the father-of-one to Spain for questioning under a European Arrest Warrant can begin.
It is understood the Serious Organised Crime Agency will liaise with the Spanish authorities who will have ten days to submit a travel plan to Suffolk Constabulary and make arrangements to pick Chittock up. Once everything is in place Chittock will be taken to the relevant airport by Suffolk officers and the handover to Spanish police will be made.
If charges are to follow, Chittock will face trial in Spain.
Chittock was charged with perverting the course of justice, although that accusation has now been dropped in order to pave the way for his extradition.
He remains on Suffolk police bail on suspicion of Miss Shields’ murder until September 15, although this is believed to be a technicality."
Murder suspect is set to be extradited to Spain - News - Evening Star
Murder suspect is set to be extradited to Spain - News - Evening Star: Chrisopher Chittock, of Alnesbourn Crescent, Ipswich, had until yesterday to appeal against his extradition to Spain, permission for which was granted at City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court on September 3.
The 36-year-old is the prime suspect in the murder investigation into the death of his live-in girlfriend Sarah Shields.
The 23-year-old’s body was discovered on July 7, in the water off the southern coast of Gran Canaria during their two-week holiday on the island.
A spokesman for the Court of Appeal in London yesterday confirmed Chittock had not challenged the extradition order.
Now the process to fly the father-of-one to Spain for questioning under a European Arrest Warrant can begin.
It is understood the Serious Organised Crime Agency will liaise with the Spanish authorities who will have ten days to submit a travel plan to Suffolk Constabulary and make arrangements to pick Chittock up. Once everything is in place Chittock will be taken to the relevant airport by Suffolk officers and the handover to Spanish police will be made.
If charges are to follow, Chittock will face trial in Spain.
Chittock was charged with perverting the course of justice, although that accusation has now been dropped in order to pave the way for his extradition.
He remains on Suffolk police bail on suspicion of Miss Shields’ murder until September 15, although this is believed to be a technicality."
The 36-year-old is the prime suspect in the murder investigation into the death of his live-in girlfriend Sarah Shields.
The 23-year-old’s body was discovered on July 7, in the water off the southern coast of Gran Canaria during their two-week holiday on the island.
A spokesman for the Court of Appeal in London yesterday confirmed Chittock had not challenged the extradition order.
Now the process to fly the father-of-one to Spain for questioning under a European Arrest Warrant can begin.
It is understood the Serious Organised Crime Agency will liaise with the Spanish authorities who will have ten days to submit a travel plan to Suffolk Constabulary and make arrangements to pick Chittock up. Once everything is in place Chittock will be taken to the relevant airport by Suffolk officers and the handover to Spanish police will be made.
If charges are to follow, Chittock will face trial in Spain.
Chittock was charged with perverting the course of justice, although that accusation has now been dropped in order to pave the way for his extradition.
He remains on Suffolk police bail on suspicion of Miss Shields’ murder until September 15, although this is believed to be a technicality."
Sunday, 12 September 2010
first International gay Film Festival on the Costa del Sol next month
Italian actress Claudia Cardinale has agreed to open the first International gay Film Festival on the Costa del Sol next month, where her film "Le Fil ", will be premiered. Also attending the festival will be director Mehdi Ben Attia, along with many of the film's the cast.
The festival which will form part of the ‘Expo Gays' festival will take place between 15 and 17 October in the Palacio de Congresos in Torremolinos (Málaga).
The presence of Italian film icon Cardinale with give a boost to the international aspect of the festival which will see the screening of fifteen films from Mexico, Argentina, Israel, Portugal, United States, Uruguay, France, Spain, Germany, the Philippines and Brazil.
All of them are said to be gay-themed films from different genres says the festival's artistic director, Ennio Trinelli. Four of the films will be screened for the first time in Spain.
Inside the Gay Expo there will also be a meeting place for gay singles and a Gayvisión festival, which will include 19 singers, one from each Autonomous Community.
This song contest is presented by Javier Karmele Marchante and Slovakia and the jury , composed of professionals of the track will be chaired by the singer Karina, organizers reported.
It is expected that about 15,000 people visit the Gay Expo where exhibitors will include 200 companies from sectors such as tourism, town halls, beauty, fashion, transportation, medical and insurance.
The festival which will form part of the ‘Expo Gays' festival will take place between 15 and 17 October in the Palacio de Congresos in Torremolinos (Málaga).
The presence of Italian film icon Cardinale with give a boost to the international aspect of the festival which will see the screening of fifteen films from Mexico, Argentina, Israel, Portugal, United States, Uruguay, France, Spain, Germany, the Philippines and Brazil.
All of them are said to be gay-themed films from different genres says the festival's artistic director, Ennio Trinelli. Four of the films will be screened for the first time in Spain.
Inside the Gay Expo there will also be a meeting place for gay singles and a Gayvisión festival, which will include 19 singers, one from each Autonomous Community.
This song contest is presented by Javier Karmele Marchante and Slovakia and the jury , composed of professionals of the track will be chaired by the singer Karina, organizers reported.
It is expected that about 15,000 people visit the Gay Expo where exhibitors will include 200 companies from sectors such as tourism, town halls, beauty, fashion, transportation, medical and insurance.
Thursday, 9 September 2010
Robert Wells, 75, was sucked under the water while swimming at a popular beach spot in Almunecar, Granada
Robert Wells, 75, was sucked under the water while swimming at a popular beach spot in Almunecar, Granada, in the late afternoon on Tuesday, Spanish agencies reported.
His son, Jonathan, saw him in trouble and plunged into the water to help him.
But he, too, was overpowered by waves scaling several metres high, which hindered other beachgoers' attempts to help.
One young man was washed onto rocks while another was forced to take shelter under a jetty.
One of them, Jesus Balderas, 25, said: "I went in to help them but the older man was already injured but I saw he wasn't calling for help or anything."
The Spaniard re-emerged from the water when he realised it was "almost impossible" to rescue the two Britons, he said.
Both Robert and Jonathan, from Cobham, Surrey, perished in the water.
They had been staying at a nearby house owned by friends. Police said their families had been informed.
The other men were rescued by civil defence workers after the emergency was raised.
His son, Jonathan, saw him in trouble and plunged into the water to help him.
But he, too, was overpowered by waves scaling several metres high, which hindered other beachgoers' attempts to help.
One young man was washed onto rocks while another was forced to take shelter under a jetty.
One of them, Jesus Balderas, 25, said: "I went in to help them but the older man was already injured but I saw he wasn't calling for help or anything."
The Spaniard re-emerged from the water when he realised it was "almost impossible" to rescue the two Britons, he said.
Both Robert and Jonathan, from Cobham, Surrey, perished in the water.
They had been staying at a nearby house owned by friends. Police said their families had been informed.
The other men were rescued by civil defence workers after the emergency was raised.
UK´s most wanted criminals and he was cornered in his apartment in Puerto Banus and in an attempt to escape he leapt out of a window
Spanish National Police,Crimestoppers from the UK and the Serious Organised Crime Squad have all collaborated on the Costa del Sol to capture a British criminal who has been on the run for 4 years.
He is one of the UK´s most wanted criminals and he was cornered in his apartment in Puerto Banus and in an attempt to escape he leapt out of a window.The National Police used a helicopter to track the runaway and he was arrested.
This man is accused of the murder of Rocky Dawson aged 24 ,who was gunned down outside his home as he was putting his two young children into his car.No motive for the crime has ever been established.
Following the murder a European Arrest Warrant was issued by the Crown Presecution Services in 2006.
He is the 35th of 50 criminals in the Operation Captura scheme.He will remain in custody in Spain until extradition proceedings are cleared.
It is known that a number of British and Irish criminals are on the Costa del Sol and the excellent cooperation between all parties is now having good results.
He is one of the UK´s most wanted criminals and he was cornered in his apartment in Puerto Banus and in an attempt to escape he leapt out of a window.The National Police used a helicopter to track the runaway and he was arrested.
This man is accused of the murder of Rocky Dawson aged 24 ,who was gunned down outside his home as he was putting his two young children into his car.No motive for the crime has ever been established.
Following the murder a European Arrest Warrant was issued by the Crown Presecution Services in 2006.
He is the 35th of 50 criminals in the Operation Captura scheme.He will remain in custody in Spain until extradition proceedings are cleared.
It is known that a number of British and Irish criminals are on the Costa del Sol and the excellent cooperation between all parties is now having good results.
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